CGS Cabinet of Curiosities at The International Festival of Glass

Deadline: 21/06/2026

City: St Helens, England  |  Country: United Kingdom  |  Helen Stokes

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The Contemporary Glass Society are delighted to announce that we are holding an exhibition at The International Festival of Glass this year in The World of Glass, St Helens. The theme is “A Cabinet of Curiosities” which is an open call to all CGS members!

We invite you to embrace curiosity, experimentation, process-led exploration, and storytelling—whether entirely factual or imaginatively fictional—within your glass pieces.

The work will be available for sale, and for the first time in our IFOG exhibitions, we will be able to display 3D objects as well as 2D works!

This exhibition is a sequel to our much-loved Postcard Exhibitions, previously held in Stourbridge.

With the new location and format, we are thrilled to open this popular opportunity to everyone at any stage of their making and using any glass technique.

Please note:

Unlike previous years, this will be a selected show due to limitations on the number of works we can display. But be assured that we are keen to show work from makers at all stages of their glassmaking career and in a wide range of techniques.

Criteria for Selection

  • You must be a member of the Contemporary Glass Society.
  • Your work should fit the theme of the exhibition.
  • The work must be completed, with high-quality final photos for promotion and the accompanying online exhibition.
  • A wide range of approaches and techniques is encouraged and will form part of the selection criteria.
  • The work must be for sale and fit these price brackets £85, £100, £150, £250, £400,£500. This is a fundraising event: 
    50% of the sale price goes to the artist (or you may kindly donate this to CGS)
    20% + VAT goes to The World of Glass
    The remaining amount is a donation towards CGS events, including our 30th Anniversary celebrations next year.
  • Size limits:
    Depth no greater than 10cm
    Height and width no larger than 20cm x 10cm (these can be used in either orientation)
  • Limited editions are welcome—only one piece is needed for the show, with the option for additional commissions once purchased.


Delivery

The work must be delivered between specific dates in July/August to Sarah Brown at her studio. Exact details will be confirmed once your spot is secured.

Submission fee: 
£15

Exhibition and Sale

We will hold a launch event at The Festival for the sale of the pieces (time TBC), a fun way to meet other artists and select your favourites.

Pieces will be affordable, and unsold works will be made available online after the show, giving those who cannot attend a chance to purchase them.

There will be a Best in Show prize and a People’s Prize, announced at the end of the exhibition.

Images and Documentation

We would love to receive:

  • Videos/photos of you making the work.
  • High-quality images on a clear background of the final pieces
  • Have fun with your pieces! Think outside the box (within the size limits) and make something exciting to display alongside a wide range of artists.

Submission fees

The following submission fees apply to this opportunity.

  • Administration Fee - 15.00 GBP

The appropriate fee will be payable using a debit or credit card after the first submission has been completed. If the submission fee allows you to submit more than once, you will be able to make further submissions after the first. Contact the curator if you have any questions about the opportunity or the submission fee, or email help@curatorspace.com if you have any questions about the payment process.

Make a submission Contact the curator
Who is eligible for this opportunity?
All members of The Contemporary Glass Society, if you are not a member you can join to take part.
When is the deadline?
30th June. Your piece needs to be finished to apply for the show.
How many works can I submit?
You may submit one piece. The work needs to be completed to submit your entry.
When is the delivery date?
End of July/ early August to Sarah Brown address will be provided upon selection. Address is in England, but not The World of Glass.
When do I need to collect my work?
Early November if unsold, this can be posted to you once you arrange the courier, details will be shared with you nearer the time.
How much does it cost?
£15 to enter. This covers the administration of the exhibition.
Are there payments to artists?
No, but there are prizes including Best in Show, and The People's Prize
Is there a private view / opening?
Yes, the date and time to be confirmed but during The International Festival of Glass from 27th - 31st August. Presume it will be the Friday!
What are the exhibition opening hours?
Open for the duration of the festival. Then open Wednesday to Sunday 10 - 4pm until 31st October
Does the location have disabled access?
Yes
What publicity will be provided as part of the opportunity?
Yes, we will promote on social media, via our newsletter and be sharing a press release
Do I need to be present?
No - but we would love to see you at the launch event if you can attend!
Where will my venue be listed?
It will be featured as a part of The International Festival of Glass, and promoted on social media, our website, newsletter and in press release
What happens if my proposal is chosen?
You will need to send your artwork to be displayed in the exhibition during the period stated once selected. This will be end July/ beginning August.
What are the selection criteria?
We will ensure the pieces fit the theme of A Cabinet of Curioisities and that there is more than 50% glass in the final piece. Everyone from beginner to world renowned artists are welcome to apply we want to celebrate all of our members! The selection process is to ensure we have a wide range of work that fits the theme and uses a variety of glassmaking techniques and a spread of makers from early career to established makers and everything in between.

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